On the day after watching the Republican majority melt down in a dramatic conservative rebellion of Speaker John Boehner’s tax plan, congressional Democrats weren’t just happy to have newfound leverage — they were enjoying a rare display of party unity.

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Obama's fiscal cliff statement

Boehner on why Plan B failed

DNC Chair: Boehner 'utterly irresponsible'

“The American people have spoken loud and clear,” Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said at an afternoon news conference. “Yet the Republican leadership continues to exercise extreme partisanship and defiance in the will of the people.”

“Every time we are close to a solution, whether it was a year ago or right now, the Republicans walk away… Republicans followed another path that led them over a cliff,” Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) added.

The Democrats’ ability to hold the line clearly demonstrated that they’re no longer a group that was once known more as a conglomeration of factions rather than a well-oiled political party. Part of that is because so many moderates have retired or been defeated. And part of that is because the Republican Party’s lurch to the right has made it even less appealing for centrist Democrats to cross over and join it on big votes.

“I never would have imagined this would have happened to them,” said one senior House Democrat. “They’ve always been lauded as being the more disciplined caucus. And in this case, the discipline was on our side and not on theirs.”

The lawmaker, who asked not to be named, said even though Pelosi has had trouble with her caucus in the past, Democrats ultimately trust her strategic instincts. That trust will be critical if and when there’s a fiscal cliff plan that needs to pass the chamber.

“People trust Pelosi, and not only trust her, they entrust with her,” the member said. “That’s what’s critical to her success as a leader … that even goes to people who have strong allegiances to other members in the conference.”

Though there never was a vote on Boehner’s “Plan B,” Democrats were confident there would be few, if any, defections on the bill that would have raised tax rates on income more than $1 million.

”I think it was a comprehensive and catastrophic collapse on the Republican side,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). “Boehner and [House Majority Leader Eric] Cantor misread the House in every respect. They misread the unity of the Democrats in resisting, in seeing his Plan B as not a plan, but a gimmick.”

Several rank-and-file members said leadership played a key role in keeping the caucus, from the Southern, moderate Blue Dogs to the urban liberals — together. The Democratic whip operation urged its members to reject the Plan B proposal throughout the week, and leadership swiftly responded to questions and concerns about what was in the Republican plan.

“In our caucus meetings, they kept us up to date, we shared our concerns, they kept the lines of communication open,” said Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.).

“Nancy lost nothing on her fastball,” added Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). “She’s energetic and focused and she was on the same page as the caucus.

Readers' Comments (4)

The republican party has shown Americans how dysfunctional they are. This doesn't help the country at all. I see the need for a two party system, if the GOP had power what a terrible country we would have. I don't understand why my old party has become so radical. The hate that comes from post shows divide this country is in. But we expect more from the politicians, The dysfunction here hurting Americans.

Republicans are too proud and to childish to negotiate. Lets go off the cliff and then see where the loyalties of Congress are. Lets make the Republicans fight for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.

When we were an inch away from budget surpluses under Clinton were we not also a inch away from actually bring the deficits down? Then what happened?

Bush tax cuts, (a trillion), medicare part D (a trillion), a unjust war in Iraq (3+ trillion and counting.)Talk all the BS about spending you want, Republicans are pretty much to blame, although they like to pretend they are perfect.

Remember America, Republicans started this by not raising the debt limit, just to make Obama look bad, even though a huge part of the debt is their doing.

See, Republicans take credit for everything but responsibility for nothing. They don't stand for anything and no one asks then to, especially their dimwitted voters.

I think Democrats would gladly own the raising of the taxes on the rich. Right back to Clinton era rates, and with out raising taxes on poor or middle class. It's a win, win. ...and closing some loopholes for the rich that let them dodge taxes and get tax breaks on their Private Jets.The fact of the matter is that raising taxes on the rich the Clifton levels does not hurt our economy one bit. Republicans have been spewing that lie for far to long.

The problem Republicans have is their feet are stuck in the pit of hypocritical mud. They talk a big game about reducing spending but they don't reduce any spending when they are in power. They crank it up! They talk about cutting programs that actually help people but wouldn't really make a dent on the deficit if they were cut.

What are Republicans really afraid of? I'll tell you. It's getting what THEY want. Reduced spending, but not the type they want to talk about. The fiscal cliff cuts defense spending by drastic amounts and that's what their really afraid of. The military industrial complex is their "social engineering program" that they won't cut because they are bankrolled by the industry. Republicans have no problem wasting trillions of tax dollars blowing up civilians in foreign countries that did not attack us, or a give away to big pharma, but helping the poor or vets get good healthcare when they come home from unnecessary wars is spending too much.

Bankers and baller CEO's are the only people that Republicans really care about. Remember the midterm elections America!! Vote all these Republicans hacks out!